Fiorentina sign Ilicic from Palermo

Fiorentina have agreed a deal to sign Josip Ilicic from Serie B side Palermo as they continue to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.

Josip Ilicic scored 11 goals in 32 games for Palermo but couldn't stop them being relegated from Serie A.

Slovenia international playmaker Ilicic, 25, spent the last three seasons at Palermo having previously played for Maribor, Interblock and Bonifika Izola in his homeland.

Ilicic scored 11 goals in 32 league and cup matches for relegated Palermo last term and has made 22 appearances for Slovenia.

A statement on Fiorentina's official website read: “Fiorentina and Palermo announce they have reached an agreement for the permanent transfer of Josip Ilicic. The agreement is subject to the player signing his contract.”

Fiorentina co-owner Andrea Della Valle added: "Ilicic will arrive and the surprises aren’t over yet," he told fans at a pre-season training camp on Tuesday. "We will reinforce the midfield and make this team even stronger."

After finishing fourth in Serie A last season and qualifying for the Europa League, the Viola have wasted little time in making signings with striker Mario Gomez has arrived from Bayern Munich, Joaquin joining from Malaga and Marcos Alonso and Massimo Ambrosini also completing transfers.